2023-01-12 09:51:42
The Government’s actions must reflect the ongoing social care crisis
The Government’s announcement of an extra £250m to pay for care home beds and help discharge more people from hospital is a welcome announcement but is merely a short term solution to an ongoing crisis. Social care sector challenges will continue deep into 2023, unless urgent long-term funding is made available.
This is according to Kirsty Matthews, CEO of national learning disability charity Hft, in response to the Government’s announcement of an extra £250m to pay for care home beds and increase capacity in the NHS
Ms Matthews says, “At Hft, we are happy to hear both the NHS and social care are a priority for the Government. The impact of limited capacity and lengthy waiting lists can be felt across our intrinsically linked sectors; people with learning disabilities do not have access to sufficient or timely healthcare. We therefore welcome the additional £250m towards the Adult Social Care Discharge Fund to free up space and discharge people into social care and the community.
“It is vital this funding does not stop at the NHS and is received quickly and fully by the social care system to ensure people can begin to receive support outside of a hospital setting.
“Without this much needed funding, we risk adding to a social care system already at breaking point; with a perfect storm of growing demand and chronic staffing shortages across the sector.
“Unless addressed, these fundamental issues will continue to impact the NHS as a result of either a lack of support, causing people to reach crisis point and face hospital admission, or a lack of capacity in our sector, forcing individuals to stay in a clinical setting. We know from our own research that the impact of this is detrimental – in 2020 nearly three quarters of providers turned down new admissions to their care services due to staff shortages.”
Ms Matthews previously commented on the Government’s Autumn Statement that the social crisis will not improve until long-term sustainable funding is provided.
Months later, the message remains the same. She says, “If social care is truly a priority for the government, they must commit to a long-term funding solution to address these issues. The solution must ensure everyone with a learning disability is afforded the opportunity for sufficient support, and provide a salary for invaluable support staff which reflects both the current cost of living and level of responsibility of their role.
“It is crucial the Government takes urgent action on social care. Without this, the future stability of both the NHS and social care are at risk.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
